"Fiji" EIT support what this mean in Australia

aanda6 · **11th July 2008, 02:24 PM**

Thinking abot Microsoft offering support for EIT data to be incorporated into media centre in Fiji and how that may or may not affect the netowrks decision on EIT in Australia. Currently the Networks have agreed to supply a fully functional free EIT EPG unencrypted, that can be used by any PVR on the proviso that certain functions are not used on the PVR. Currently the networks are saying they reserve the right under copyright to take action against any manufacturers who do not comply, however I doubt they would take on Microsoft as the size and money would be against the networks.

So will the netwotks allow anyone to then use this data however they like?

Will the networks decide to stop providing free EIT data because they can not control the hadware manufacturers if Microsoft join with these abilities?

logifuse · **11th July 2008, 02:34 PM**

Most of these questions are part of the group strategy being developed that will be covered here.

Justin

aanda6 · **11th July 2008, 02:38 PM**

Sorry Justin, hadn't noticed we had that yet. I had been doing a bit of reading today and this all got in my head about fiji and the eit data, I wanted to see if anyone else though it may change the landscape. While Nein may be happy going after a company such as ice, Microsoft would be a different kettle of fish.

philzgr8 · **11th July 2008, 02:39 PM**

OK, here's my take. The networks have no legal basis on which to enforce such conditions on the manufacturers of PVR devices. The EIT streams are not unique to Australian DTV but a part of the DVB-T standard. Hence the networks have 2 options. They can either take on individual users... never going to happen, or they can encrypt the data and license the decryption algorithm. My feeling is that, as said elsewhere, they will more than likely go down the latter road if left to their own devices and hence we need to assert our rights in this area.

P.S. They could also make the data so unreliable as to be unusable as a third option.

logifuse · **11th July 2008, 02:42 PM**

No need to apologise! It's all up in the air ATM, but hopefully we can have our access to EIT secured by lobbying the Gov't/ACCC (or whomever the committee decides is the best target).

Justin

philzgr8 · **11th July 2008, 02:44 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by aanda6

Sorry Justin, hadn't noticed we had that yet. I had been doing a bit of reading today and this all got in my head about fiji and the eit data, I wanted to see if anyone else though it may change the landscape. While Nein may be happy going after a company such as ice, Microsoft would be a different kettle of fish.

I don't see that there is a problem to raise this as a separate thread since it deals with an issue which will attract interest in its own right.

aanda6 · **11th July 2008, 03:01 PM**

My point was that the Networks can use bullying tactics with individual PVR manufacturers and quote the copyright infringment to force them to comply, but a company such as microsoft is not likely to be swayed. So will that then jeopardise what EIT they are prepared to offer if they cannot control with bullyboy tactics.

TheRob · **11th July 2008, 03:09 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by aanda6

My point was that the Networks can use bullying tactics with individual PVR manufacturers and quote the copyright infringment to force them to comply, but a company such as microsoft is not likely to be swayed. So will that then jeopardise what EIT they are prepared to offer if they cannot control with bullyboy tactics.

But the copyright infringement is NOT RELEVENT to the EIT at all. It cannot be used to bully anyone. Microsoft supporting EIT data is no different to any PVR supporting it. So I don't think what Microsoft does will have any influence at all on what the networks decide to do with regard to EIT data.

aanda6 · **11th July 2008, 03:17 PM**

In the confidential letter to the Australian Digital Suppliers Industry Forum (ADSIF), Flynn wrote;

"Broadcasters are not authorising the use of the programs listing data in PVRs where 'ad-skip' functionality goes beyond a maximum fast forward speed of x60; broadcasters reserve their rights with respect to those suppliers."

"In addition, the PVR's which display the EPG must employ adequate copy protection measures to prevent the redistribution of free to air content outside the home or on the internet... Broadcasters reserve their rights subject to the Commonwealth Copyright Act 1968, to take legal action at any time for copyright infringement where program listings are used in contravention of these terms."

philzgr8 · **11th July 2008, 03:28 PM**

Quote:

Originally Posted by aanda6

In the confidential letter to the Australian Digital Suppliers Industry Forum (ADSIF), Flynn wrote;

"Broadcasters are not authorising the use of the programs listing data in PVRs where 'ad-skip' functionality goes beyond a maximum fast forward speed of x60; broadcasters reserve their rights with respect to those suppliers."

"In addition, the PVR's which display the EPG must employ adequate copy protection measures to prevent the redistribution of free to air content outside the home or on the internet... Broadcasters reserve their rights subject to the Commonwealth Copyright Act 1968, to take legal action at any time for copyright infringement where program listings are used in contravention of these terms."

Clearly such provisions would not be enforceable against any equipment manufacturer. They would be hard pressed to intimidate a 5 year old with such provisions. the simple fact remains, if the broadcasters use a pre-existing technology which is the subject of an international standard to dissemanate their guide then they have no legal basis to take action against the manufacturers who supply equipment which also complies with that standard. Believe me, in that regard they are waving a jelly stick!

aanda6 · **11th July 2008, 03:34 PM**

When pushed for further clarification, the spokesperson added;

"It is clear that copyright subsists in the program guides of the television networks. There are plenty of examples of copyright owners making their material available on the condition that users comply with certain terms."

"It is a matter for the user to ensure they comply with the conditions of use and a matter for the copyright owner how they enforce those rights. FreeTV has had a number of conversations with manufacturers about our requirements for use of the EPG and will continue to do so."

Not wanting to stir the pot the Phil, I am just relly interested in wether the Networks will change their mind about supplying EIT data once they get wind that Microsoft intend to utilize it in Fiji.